About Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing
Who We Are
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing is a nonprofit organization devoted to introducing young people across the Tennessee Valley to the lifelong pursuit of sailing. Founded on the belief that time spent on the water builds confidence, character, resilience, and fellowship, the program combines practical instruction with a strong emphasis on seamanship, safety, teamwork, and stewardship. From complete beginners to keen young racers, we strive to provide sailors of all abilities with the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the “noble art of sailing” while developing skills that extend well beyond the boat itself.
The program was founded more than a decade ago by Captain Kelvin Troughton, who first began teaching local children the fundamentals of sailing on the small pond behind his own home. What started as one seaman quietly passing along his love of the water has, over the years, grown into a lasting community institution that has introduced hundreds of young people to sailing, competition, self-reliance, and camaraderie.
Captain Kelvin’s warmth, wit, patience, and steady hand helped shape the character of the organization from the very beginning. To many families, he has been far more than an instructor. He has been a trusted mentor whose influence may still be seen in the confidence, sportsmanship, and good character of the sailors he has guided through the years. His manner — calm, encouraging, quietly wise, and gifted with a dry wit — reflects the finest traditions of seamanship and service.
Today, Captain Kelvin continues to lend his counsel and support to the program as Commodore Emeritus, and Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing remains proud to carry forward the vision he first set in motion: creating meaningful and affordable opportunities for young people to discover not only the joy of sailing, but the enduring lessons the water has to teach.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for sailing, water safety, and marine stewardship through accessible youth programs that inspire personal growth, teamwork, and respect for the environment. We believe that sailing is more than a sport — it’s a classroom without walls where young people learn responsibility, patience, and perseverance while discovering the joy of the natural world.
What We Do
Youth Sailing Camps: Hands-on instruction that introduces students to sailing fundamentals, knot-tying, rigging, and safe boating practices.
Racing & Skill Development: Opportunities for young sailors to join our regional racing team and compete across the Southeast, gaining experience and confidence on and off the water.
Community Engagement: We partner with local schools and families to promote access to sailing for youth in the Tennessee Valley.
Stewardship & Education: Through every program, we teach care for our lake and the environment that sustains it.
Why It Matters
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing empowers the next generation to navigate more than wind and water — it teaches them to navigate life. Our sailors learn teamwork, resilience, and leadership, building friendships that stretch beyond the shoreline. With guidance from dedicated volunteers and community partners, we’re shaping confident, capable young people who understand the value of respect, safety, and stewardship both on and off the water.
Where We Sail
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing proudly operates from two North Alabama locations:
Lake Guntersville Sailing Club – 21500 US-431, Guntersville, AL 35976
Our primary lake venue for practices, regattas, and open-water sailing on beautiful Lake Guntersville. Coordinates are 34° 24' 42.07'' N, -86° 16' 3.27'' WLake Hauns in Hampton Cove, Alabama – Convenient Huntsville-area location used for youth camp, training, and outreach.
Our two-site model allows us to serve families across the Tennessee Valley while giving sailors access to varied training environments.
